l you go on it? Not to work,
not to paddle, unless you wish, but to guide and to fight. It is no favor
that I am conferring upon you, but one that you can confer upon me if you
will. We need such as you and with you I shall feel that the fleet is
safer."

It was a most welcome offer. They could serve the cause and themselves at
the same time. All things seemed to fall out as they wished.

"Sir, we thank you," said Henry speaking for them all. "You do not have to
make such an offer twice."

"Good! Good!" said Oliver Pollock. "Then the main feature of the bargain
is closed and now I must have you to know the captain of the fleet. Oh, I
think that you will agree with him famously. He will be in charge of the
navigation and the fleet, though not of you. You are to remain in your
role of free rangers."

He clapped his hand upon a little bell on the table and one of the
stalwart, sunbrowned clerks entered.

"Bring in Captain Colfax. I want him to make some new friends," said
Oliver Pollock, who was in the greatest of good humors.

Captain Adam Colfax of New Hampshire, who found the climate of New Orleans
very warm, came in in a minute or two, and his was a figure to attract the
attention of anybody. Middle aged, nearly as tall as Jim Hart, red haired,
with a sharp little tuft of red whisker on his chin, and with features
that seemed to be carved out of some kind of metal, he was a combination
of the seaman and landsman, as tough and wiry as they ever grow to be. He
regarded Oliver Pollock out of twinkling little blue eyes that could be
merry or severe, as they pleased.

"Captain Colfax," said Oliver Pollock, "These are the five from Kentucky
of whom you heard. They are to go with you on your great journey as far as
Kentucky, but they are to do as they please. They are scouts, warriors,
and free rangers. You will find them of great service."

He introduced them one by one, and Adam Colfax gave them a hearty grip
with a hand which seemed to be made of woven steel wire.

"Good woodsmen and good riflemen I take it," he said, "and we may need
both. I hear that the Creeks, Cherokees, and others, are feeling full of
fight. Now, I ain't looking for a fight, but if it happens to get in my
way I'm not running from it."

"You old war horse," said Oliver Pollock, laughing, "it's your business to
get these supplies through, not to be shooting at Indians. I wish I could
go with you. It's a wonderful journey, but I have to stay h